Inklingo

How to Say "disgust" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asco

ahs-kohˈasko

nounA2
Use 'asco' for a strong, visceral feeling of revulsion, often related to unpleasant sights, smells, or tastes.
A simple drawing of a face showing an expression of extreme revulsion and disgust.

Examples

El olor a pescado podrido me dio mucho asco.

The smell of rotten fish gave me a lot of disgust (made me feel sick).

¡Qué asco! No puedo creer que comiste eso.

How disgusting! I can't believe you ate that.

Siento asco por la crueldad animal.

I feel loathing (disgust) for animal cruelty.

Expressing Disgust (The 'Dar' Trick)

To say 'I am disgusted by X,' Spanish usually uses the verb 'dar' (to give) with the structure of 'Me da asco X' (X gives me disgust). It works just like 'gustar' (to like).

Using 'Estar' Incorrectly

Mistake: “Estoy asco.”

Correction: Me da asco. 'Asco' is a noun, not an adjective. You wouldn't say 'I am disgust.' Use 'Me da asco' (It gives me disgust) or 'Siento asco' (I feel disgust).

náusea

nounB2
Choose 'náusea' when the disgust is intense and directed towards moral or emotional issues, like hypocrisy or betrayal.

Examples

Su hipocresía me da náusea.

His hypocrisy makes me sick.

horror

OH-rrohrˈo.rɔr

nounB2
Use 'horror' to express strong repulsion or revulsion, particularly towards situations involving extreme dirtiness, disorder, or disturbing sights.
A simple illustration of a person grimacing strongly, pinching their nose closed to show intense disgust.

Examples

Me da horror la suciedad y el desorden.

Dirt and disorder give me the creeps/fill me with disgust.

Tu apartamento es un horror después de la fiesta.

Your apartment is a disaster/a terrible mess after the party.

El vestido de la novia era un horror, pero ella estaba feliz.

The bride's dress was hideous/an absolute horror, but she was happy.

Using 'Dar'

When expressing that something causes you disgust or revulsion, use the structure Me da horror... (It gives me horror...), similar to how you use Me gusta.

Confusing Repulsion with Fear

Mistake: “Using 'Tengo horror' to mean 'I am disgusted.'”

Correction: For disgust, use *Me da horror* or *Siento asco*. *Tengo horror* usually means 'I have a profound dread/fear.'

escrúpulo

es-KROO-poo-loesˈkɾupulo

nounB1
Employ 'escrúpulo' when the disgust is related to feeling sickened or squeamish specifically about dirt, mess, or unhygienic conditions.
A person with a disgusted face looking at a slimy green puddle on the ground.

Examples

Me da escrúpulo usar los cubiertos de este restaurante tan sucio.

It makes me squeamish to use the silverware in this dirty restaurant.

No sientas escrúpulo, la comida está perfectamente limpia.

Don't feel disgusted; the food is perfectly clean.

Siente escrúpulo ante la sangre.

He feels squeamish at the sight of blood.

The 'Dar' Pattern

Just like 'me gusta' or 'me da asco,' we say 'me da escrúpulo' to say something makes us feel squeamish.

Escrúpulo vs Asco

Mistake: “Me da escrúpulo esa película de miedo.”

Correction: Me da asco/miedo. Use 'escrúpulo' specifically for hygiene, blood, or things that make you feel physically picky or hesitant to touch them.

Confusing 'asco' and 'escrúpulo'

Learners often confuse 'asco' and 'escrúpulo' because both relate to dirtiness. Remember that 'asco' is a stronger, more general revulsion, while 'escrúpulo' is specifically about feeling squeamish or sickened by the mess itself.

Related Translations

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